Chennai: In a significant development for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season, New Zealand batsman Devon Conway's absence due to a thumb injury has led to the inclusion of England fast bowler Richard Gleeson in the team.
Conway, who played a pivotal role in CSK's title-winning campaign in IPL 2023, has been sidelined for the entire season following a thumb injury sustained during a T20 match against Australia in February. Despite undergoing surgery, Conway's recovery timeline has ruled him out for the entirety of this year's IPL.
During his stellar performance last season, Conway amassed 672 runs in 15 innings at an impressive average of 51.69, with a strike rate of under 140. His contributions were instrumental in CSK clinching the IPL title, and he was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match accolade for his standout performances.
To mitigate the absence of Conway and Mustafizur Rahman, CSK's leading wicket-taker who has been granted permission by the Bangladesh Cricket Board to play until May 1, the franchise has roped in Gleeson.
Although Gleeson is a newcomer to the IPL, his track record in various T20 leagues globally makes him a promising addition to the CSK squad. Gleeson made his T20 international debut at the age of 34 and he picked up the big wickets of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant in his spell. With 101 wickets in 90 T20 matches at an economy rate of 8.18, the English pacer brings a wealth of experience to the table, having featured in tournaments like the Hundred, BPL, BBL, SA20, and ILT20.
CSK will be banking on Gleeson's expertise to bolster their bowling department and maintain their momentum in the ongoing IPL season. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on how Gleeson adapts to the IPL's high-pressure environment and whether he can make a significant impact for CSK.